Player of the season

The 2011/12 Premier League season will go down as one of its finest, with great games, goals, sackings and spats ensuring there's never been a dull moment. Our Football Desk never agrees at the best of times and it's no different here, as we choose our player of the season.

Last Updated: 17/05/12 11:57am

Vincent Kompany, Manchester City: Man Utd were without their captain for half of the season, Man City missed theirs for only a few games and that was an influential factor in City winning the league for the first time since 1968. Kompany has led by example, both in ability and attitude, and scored arguably the decisive goal in the title race when his header won the Manchester derby. MB

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City: For £38million you would expect to get a world-class performer, and Manchester City knew precisely what they were getting when they snapped up Aguero. He made the transition from Spanish to English football with consummate ease and ended his debut season at the Etihad as City's top scorer - with a 30-goal return, including the most dramatic of final day strikes, helping them to title glory. CB

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United: While Manchester City have had many players chipping in with big performances, for Manchester United it has been left to Rooney to shoulder the burden of responsibility. He has enjoyed a consistent campaign in front of goal, scoring 27 times in the Premier League, to help the Red Devils challenge for the title. LR

Joe Hart, Manchester City: They say you build from the back and what better first name to put on a team sheet than Joe Hart. The England international started every Premier League game for Manchester City this season as Roberto Mancini's side went on to finish top of the pile. Hart also helped City to a Premier League best of just 29 goals conceded. JP

Robin van Persie, Arsenal: Arsenal's captain fantastic has enjoyed a dazzling season, finishing as the Premier League top scorer with 30 goals. Handed the skipper's armband at the beginning of the campaign, Van Persie has embraced the role whole-heartedly, leading by example with consistent, passionate and often devastating displays. The Dutchman has shrugged off fitness problems of earlier seasons to be almost ever-present for the Gunners and has been influential to their successful push for UEFA Champions League football. RG